If not for Chris Carpenter's strong efforts in Games 1 and 5 of the World Series against the Rangers, the Cardinals might not have ever advanced to Game 7 on Friday night. And if not for his standout performance in Game 7, on short rest, the Cardinals might not be celebrating deep into the morning. More >

He lost his Opening Day starter before the first pitch of Grapefruit League play was thrown. His best player held a massive news conference on the first day of camp to discuss the fact that he had not agreed to a new contract. A franchise icon announced he was returning to the team, then aborted that comeback. A member of the team's ownership passed away. More >

As impossible as it might be right now to forget how the Rangers' 2011 story concluded, it would be just as inconceivable to ignore the rest of the pages of the compelling book that was written this October, a dramatic portrayal of talent, unity and resiliency. More >

Maybe these first two World Series have included growing pains, but what the Rangers need to take the final step is a true postseason ace at the top of the rotation and a supporting cast of pitchers who can hold their best form in the white-hot spotlight of the World Series. More >

It was so improbable, so unthinkable, that it had to happen. Despite massive deficits in August and September, despite playing four elimination games in the postseason, despite twice being down to their last strike the night before, the St. Louis Cardinals are the World Series champions for 2011 after winning Game 7, 6-2, over the Texas Rangers on Friday. More >

David Freese was named the 2011 World Series Most Valuable Player presented by Chevrolet on Friday night following the Cards' 6-2 Series-clinching win over the Rangers, accepting the hardware in front of the hometown crowd at Busch Stadium. More >

Rangers manager Ron Washington stuck to his decision to start Matt Harrison in Friday night's decisive Game 7 over Derek Holland, who pitched 8 1/3 shutout innings in Game 4. The move did not necessarily backfire, but questions remain after Harrison took the losing decision. More >

The next step for the Rangers following their disappointing World Series defeat will be the beginning of the offseason, a period in which they'll begin the process of putting together another championship-caliber team. More >

Nelson Cruz's bid to break the record for home runs in a single postseason was robbed at the wall by Cardinals left fielder Allen Craig in the sixth inning of Game 7 of the World Series on Friday night. More >

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